Men's basketball team has high expectations for new season
Photo courtesy of Lee Flames.
As the 2019-2020 season tips off, the men’s basketball team is looking for continued improvement after the 2018-2019 season saw plenty of potential amid some adversity and close losses. In his fourth season with the Flames, head coach Bubba Smith is counting on continuity and internal growth to lead his team to a strong year.
After losing a hard-fought exhibition game at UT-Chattanooga by just two points, the Flames went on to a 15-14 season (12-8 GSC) in 2018-2019, including an eight-game win-streak from late November to early January. Having lost only two starters from last season, coach Smith is confident this year’s team can improve upon last season’s struggles.
“We seemed to be trending in the right direction and battled some tough injuries down the stretch of our season, which we felt affected our depth and ability to finish close games,” said Smith. “The margin between wins and losses are sometimes very small. We are working to grow in those areas and demand consistency from our guys each day.”
Senior guard Parker Seudekum lays in a basket in Lee’s 74-55 win over Tennessee Wesleyan. Photo by Sydney Pressley.
Seniors Ryan Montgomery and Parker Seudekum will lead a group of talented young players. The eight returners will be joined by six freshmen who, according to coach Smith, will compete for playing time right away.
“My expectations are high,” said Seudekum. “We have a good mix of returners from last year and new guys that will be able to help us out. We plan on making it to Birmingham this year for the conference championship.”
Freshman point guard Beyuan Hicks has had a strong preseason and is expected to make his way onto the floor early this season. He made an immediate impact in the team’s exhibition win over Tennessee Wesleyan this past Saturday.
“We’ve grown from the beginning [of the preseason] in staying consistent through practices and scrimmages,” said Hicks. “I’m just looking forward to playing games.”
Coach Smith says the expectations for his team are the same each season, with the common goal of competing for a GSC Championship.
“We know [the team’s] goal is a process that requires everyone in our program to give their best each day,” said Smith. “The season is full of twists and turns, adversity and successes. How we handle our success is equally as important as how we handle adversity.”
Coach Smith is proud of the foundation and culture of success he and his team are building for the men’s basketball program. He is also happy to have a stronger presence on campus and in the community than in past seasons.
“I like the team we have this year,” said Smith. “I think the Lee campus and community will enjoy watching how they compete and play together!”
To see the men’s basketball schedule, visit leeuflames.com.
